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Community Meeting on Proposal for two Six-Unit Apartment Buildings on Oakely

May 23, 2012

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting to review a proposal for a zoning change that would allow for the construction oftwo six-unit rental apartment buildings at 7220 and 7226 N. Oakley. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 29th, 7:00 p.m., at the St. Margaret Mary’s Activity Center, 7341 N. Claremont (at Jarvis).

Developer Bart Pryzjemski, who recently constructed a new apartmentbuilding at 2138 W. Touhy, will present a proposal to build two three-story, 7,680 square-foot buildings, using slab on-grade construction.

Two deteriorating, single family homes currently rest on the lots and will be demolished to make way for the new buildings. A previous proposal to develop the property fell victim to the economic decline and the homes have been vacant for over six years. Mr. Pryzjemski is acquiring this property as part of a “short sale,” where the bank agrees to accept less than the amount owed to avoid foreclosure.

Under the proposal, the first floor units of the buildings would be completely handicap accessible, with widened door frames and corridors, ground level entry, modified bathroom fixtures and handicap parking. In addition to three handicap garaged parking spots, Mr. Przyjemski is also proposing to provide nine other garage parking spots to serve the properties. His proposal also calls for a large, fully landscaped rear yard, including five new trees. The properties will be completely secure, allowing access to the shared, rear open space through a single gate on the public alley on the north side of the lot at 7226 N. Oakley.

The current zoning classification is RS3, which allows two flats only. The combined lots are 14,149 square feet, and the current RS3 zoning would allow no more than four single family homes or two two-flats and a single family home. The proposed development requires a zoning change to a RT4 designation.

For a floor plan and rendering of the proposed development, click on the attachment below:

The property falls withing the current 49th Ward boundaries, but will fall within the 50th Ward when the new ward boundaires take effect. Accordingly, I have invited my colleague, 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, to attend the meeting, as well, and will consult with her as I make a final decision.

I urge you to attend the meeting to learn more about the proposal and express your views. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to share your comments with me by replying to this e-mail. Similarly, if you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this e-mail or call my staff assistant, Michael Land, at 773-338-5796.